How To Get Last Years Tax Return From Turbotax

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Tax season often feels like a distant memory once it's over, but then life happens! Maybe you're applying for a loan, need to verify income, or simply want to review your financial history. Whatever the reason, getting a copy of your previous year's tax return from TurboTax is a common need. The good news is, for most users, it's a straightforward process.

Ready to retrieve your financial history? Let's dive in and get those tax returns in your hands!

Understanding Where Your Tax Return Is Stored

Before we begin the step-by-step guide, it's crucial to understand where your tax return is likely located. TurboTax offers two main ways to file:

TurboTax Online: If you used the web-based version of TurboTax, your returns are stored securely on their servers.
TurboTax CD/Download (Desktop Version): If you purchased and installed the software on your computer, your tax files are saved locally on your machine, not online.

Knowing which version you used will direct you to the correct retrieval method.

Step 1: Determine Your TurboTax Version and Account Information

Okay, first things first! Think back to how you filed your taxes last year.

Did you log into a website to do them? If so, you likely used TurboTax Online.
Did you install software from a CD or download it directly onto your computer? This means you used the TurboTax CD/Download (Desktop) version.

Crucial Point: Make sure you are using the exact same user ID and password you used when you filed that specific year's return. Many people accidentally create multiple TurboTax accounts over the years. If you can't find your return, try logging in with any other email addresses or usernames you might have used.

Sub-heading: If You've Forgotten Your Login Information

Don't panic! It happens to the best of us.

For TurboTax Online: On the login page, look for a "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" link. Follow the prompts to recover your credentials. You'll typically need to provide your email address or phone number associated with the account.
For TurboTax CD/Download: Your login for the software itself might be stored, but if you need to reactivate or reinstall it, you might need your license code.

Step 2: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax Online

If you used TurboTax Online, this is generally the easiest and fastest method. TurboTax online saves PDF copies of your returns for up to seven years.

Sub-heading: Accessing Your TurboTax Online Account

Go to the Official TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to TurboTax.intuit.com (or TurboTax.ca if you're in Canada). Always ensure you're on the official site to protect your sensitive information.
Sign In: Locate the "Sign In" button (usually in the top right corner) and enter your User ID and Password for the relevant tax year.

Sub-heading: Navigating to Your Past Returns

Once you're logged in, the interface might vary slightly depending on updates, but the general pathway remains consistent:

Go to Your "Tax Home": After signing in, you'll usually land on your "Tax Home" page. If not, look for a "Tax Home" or "My TurboTax" option in the main navigation or on the left-hand menu.
Scroll Down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents": On the Tax Home page, scroll down until you see a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar. This is where your previous years' filings are stored.
Select the Desired Tax Year: You'll typically see a dropdown menu or a list of years. Click on the dropdown menu and select the specific tax year for which you need the return (e.g., 2023, 2022, etc.).
Download the PDF: Once you've selected the year, you should see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" or "Download tax PDF." Click this button.

Your tax return will then download to your computer as a PDF file. You can then open, view, save, or print it as needed.

Step 3: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax CD/Download

If you used the desktop software, your tax returns are stored directly on the computer where you prepared them. TurboTax does not store these online.

Sub-heading: Locating the Tax File on Your Computer

Identify the Computer Used for Filing: This is the most critical step. You need to be on the same computer you used to prepare and file that specific year's tax return. If you've gotten a new computer since then, the files won't be on your current machine unless you transferred them.
Open the TurboTax Software: Launch the TurboTax software for the specific tax year you need (e.g., TurboTax 2023, TurboTax 2022). If you uninstalled it, you might need to reinstall it using your original CD or downloaded installer. You may also need your license code for activation.
Find Your Saved Tax File: Once the software is open, look for options like "Open a Tax Return," "File," or "Browse." Your tax files usually have a .tax extension followed by the year (e.g., yourname2023.tax).
- Common Locations:
  - Windows: Documents\TurboTax or C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\TurboTax
  - Mac: Documents\TurboTax or Macintosh HD/Users/[Your Username]/Documents/TurboTax
- If you can't find it: Use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for "*.tax" to find all TurboTax files.
Open and Print/Save as PDF: Once you locate and open your tax file within the software, you can typically go to the "File" menu and select "Print" or "Save as PDF" to get a copy of your completed return.

Sub-heading: What if the Files Aren't on My Computer?

If you can't find the files on your computer, here are a few possibilities:

External Hard Drives/Backup Devices: Did you back up your computer or save files to an external hard drive or USB stick? Check those.
Cloud Storage: If you use cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, you might have synced your tax files there.
Another Computer: It's possible you used a different computer to file that year.

Step 4: Requesting Your Tax Transcript or Return from the IRS (Alternative Method)

If for some reason you cannot access your return through TurboTax (e.g., account issues, old desktop version files lost), you can always request a copy directly from the IRS. This is a reliable fallback, though it can take more time.

Sub-heading: Requesting an IRS Tax Return Transcript

This is often sufficient for lenders or other institutions. A tax return transcript shows most line items from your original tax return, but it does not include any changes made after you filed (like IRS adjustments).

Online IRS Get Transcript Tool: The fastest way is to use the IRS's "Get Transcript Online" tool: IRS.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript. You'll need to verify your identity, which can sometimes be a hurdle, but it provides immediate access if successful.
Get Transcript by Mail: If the online tool doesn't work, you can request a transcript be mailed to you. This typically takes 5 to 10 calendar days to arrive.
Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return): You can fill out and mail Form 4506-T to request various types of transcripts.

Sub-heading: Requesting an Actual Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS

If you need an exact copy of your filed tax return (not just a transcript), you'll need to use Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return."

Download Form 4506: You can find this form on the IRS website (IRS.gov).
Complete the Form: Fill out all required information, including the tax year(s) you need and your name and Social Security Number.
Pay the Fee: As of the current date, the IRS charges a fee per return copy. Ensure you include payment with your request.
Mail the Form: Send the completed form and payment to the appropriate IRS address listed in the form's instructions.

Be aware: Requesting a copy of your tax return via Form 4506 can take up to 60 days for the IRS to process. Plan accordingly if you have a deadline!

Important Considerations & Best Practices

Save PDFs Every Year: Make it a habit! After you file your taxes, always save a PDF copy of your complete return to your computer and/or a cloud storage service. This will save you a lot of hassle in the future.
Print a Physical Copy: For extra security, print a physical copy of your return and keep it in a secure location with other important documents.
Keep Records Organized: Maintain a well-organized system for your tax documents, both digital and physical.
Check for Multiple Accounts: As mentioned, if you can't find a return online, ensure you're logging into the correct TurboTax account. Many users end up with more than one over time.

FAQs: How to Get Your Last Year's Tax Return from TurboTax

How to Check if I used TurboTax Online or Desktop?

You likely used TurboTax Online if you accessed a website to prepare your taxes. You used the Desktop version if you bought a CD or downloaded software and installed it on your computer.

How to Find My TurboTax Online Account if I Forgot My User ID or Password?

Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and click on "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password." Follow the prompts to recover your credentials, usually by providing your email address or phone number.

How to Download a PDF of My Prior Year Return from TurboTax Online?

Sign in to your TurboTax Online account, go to "Tax Home," scroll to "Your tax returns & documents," select the desired year from the dropdown, and click "Download/print return (PDF)."

How to Locate My Tax Files if I Used TurboTax CD/Download?

Open the specific year's TurboTax software on the computer you used to file. Look for "Open a Tax Return" and search your computer's "Documents" folder (or use your computer's search function for files ending in .tax).

How to Get a Copy of My Tax Return if I No Longer Have the Computer I Used for Desktop TurboTax?

You will need to request a tax transcript or an actual copy of your tax return directly from the IRS using their "Get Transcript Online" tool or by mailing Form 4506-T (for transcripts) or Form 4506 (for copies of returns).

How to Request a Tax Transcript from the IRS?

Visit IRS.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript online or call the IRS to request a transcript be mailed to you. You can also mail Form 4506-T.

How to Get an Actual Copy of My Entire Tax Return from the IRS?

Fill out and mail IRS Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return," along with the required fee, to the appropriate IRS address. Be aware this can take up to 60 days.

How to Save a PDF of My Tax Return for Future Use?

After filing each year, whether online or desktop, always use the "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF" option to create a digital copy of your entire return. Store it securely on your computer and/or cloud storage.

How to Check if I Have Multiple TurboTax Accounts?

Try logging in with any other email addresses or usernames you might have used for TurboTax in the past. If you have different accounts, your returns might be spread across them.

How to Access Returns Older Than Seven Years from TurboTax?

TurboTax generally saves returns for seven years. If your return is older than seven years, you will likely need to request a transcript or copy directly from the IRS, as TurboTax may have purged older records.

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